What's been going on?

I've gotten that question a lot over the last few weeks. I appreciate the genuine concern from those who have asked. So, in an effort to answer the question, I'll give you a totally random list. Read on at your own risk.

• I've had a lot of heart pain. Not the physical kind (thank the Lord). It's been the emotional kind. Today is one month since I resigned as Pastor of Capstone. I knew it would be hard but I had no idea that my guts and heart would actually ache over the loss. Like my friend Cliff said, since God birthed this church through me, it's like giving up your child who isn't yet grown. That really is a great description. I don't say that to mean that the church was mine in the first place - it's always been the Lord's - but when God planted it in your heart and you've been there from day one, you feel an incredible sense of responsibility for its well-being. Yes, God is continuing to teach me to let go of many things in my life. Sometimes I realize that I'm a slow learner.
• I'm looking for a job --- something I haven't done in 20 years. In some ways I feel good about what I've accomplished during this month. I've been able to reconnect with some great friends that I had during my business career and they have been more than willing to help me out. That's been really great. And, many of you are looking around for me as well. I appreciate you!
• On the flip side, I haven't found a job during this first month and so things aren't that good yet! Ahhh, the waiting game. God is teaching me through it. Again, I'm a slow learner.
• My aunt died last week. Bobbie Davenport was only 54-years-old and was a valiant cancer warrior for 12 years. I was honored to do her graveside service on Saturday. She and her family have lived in Texas for the past 20 years and so our time together has been somewhat limited. My uncle Ronny and cousins Brett, Amanda and Tami were here this past weekend. I really enjoyed the time spent with them at my grandmother's house and at mom and dad's. The whole family was together for the first time in many years - that was great. And even though we were mourning Bobbie's passing, we laughed a lot and enjoyed being together. I cherish family more and more as the weeks pass.
• My daughter Claire led one of the worship songs at church on Sunday. It was AMAZING! Claire has loved music from day one and sings constantly. We never pushed her to sing publicly - especially since Yvonne and I both did for many years. So on her own, she got involved in the band and led us Sunday. It was GREAT. I cried many tears watching her praise the Lord. I continue to be in awe at what God did when He created her. She is such an incredible blessing and I'm proud to be her dad.
• I'm getting tired of the Olympics.
• I know a lot of people battling cancer right now. Pray for my friend Mike's dad, Larry Marcie. He was just diagnosed last week and it doesn't look good.
• I am ready to go to work. I'm not one to sit around. And even though I've kept fairly busy, I need some long term projects (that pay) in which to be involved.
• Thanks to those of you who've called to check on me and those who've taken me to lunch. Jim, I enjoyed today, my friend.
• The enemy has been all over my family for a long time now. Not just at my house but the extended family as well. There are many battles going on but the war is already won! Gloria a Dios!
• I have ants all over the kitchen. Everyone says they're looking for water. So, if I put a bowl of water outside, will that take care of them????? Can I send them over to your house?
• We're putting together our next Cuba Mission Team. I will be leading the trip November 14-21. I'm excited to be able to do this. If any of you Capstoners are interested in going, we have room for a few more. Also, I'll be funding my trip myself this time. So, if any of you want to be a part of that, send me an email and I'll tell you how to get involved.

Finally, thanks for all the prayers you've sent my way over the recent days. They are much needed and much appreciated.

Going Home

I know it's been a while since I've written. Sorry about that. I've kind of been at a loss as to what to write. With everything that's been going on over the last few months, and especially the big change of no longer pastoring Capstone, it's hard to put into words all of my emotions and thoughts. Some days I think I'm doing okay. Others, not so much. God continues to remind me of His faithfulness, plans and purposes. I am still looking for a job. My Capstone family has been amazing during these days. I want you to know that I really do appreciate your prayers and kind words.

As many of you know, I grew up here in Anderson and was really involved at Concord Baptist Church. Concord was a huge blessing to me. I was a part of everything and loved every minute of it. I met Jesus at Concord. God called me to pastor as a teenager at Concord. I even worked on staff at Concord eight years ago.

Last night, I went back to Concord for the first time in a long time. My 86-year-old grandmother (Rachel Davenport) is still a member there. And so Claire, my sister Suzanne, Grandmother and I went to hear Dr. Don Wilton preach. Dr. Wilton is the pastor of First Baptist, Spartanburg.

For me, going back to Concord last night was just like going home --- and it felt so good. I got more hugs at one church service than I have gotten in a long time! And what made the hugs so special was that they came from people who go way back in my life --- over 30 years for many of them. These are people who laid a foundation of truth in my life that I have had the privilege of passing on as a pastor for these years.

As the service began, I sat on the wooden pew and listened to the organ play and the choir sing. And I was overwhelmed by the goodness of God. I scanned the faces of the choir and saw camp chaperones and youth counselors and Vacation Bible School teachers. I saw the faces of teenage friends and prayer warriors who have encouraged and loved me through the years. I saw the faces of people who are still honoring God with their lives. They're not perfect --- they have struggled through some hard times like all of us --- but they are still faithfully serving the Lord after all these years.

God knew I needed some old friends to put their arms around me and tell me that they love me. Most seemed to know about what's been going on in my life lately. They were all very sorry and assured me of their prayers. But most importantly, through different things that were said, they wanted me to know that they were home for me and that I was always welcome there.

That felt really good.

Sometimes, you just need to go home. I thank the Lord that when I was just a child He gave me a home church filled with amazing people who have meant so much in my life. And I thank Him and them for blessing me as they did last night.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)